Former Manchester City and Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola has turned down the opportunity to coach the Italy national team, a source familiar with the discussions told Reuters on Friday, confirming media reports.

The former Real Madrid and Manchester United player also backed Lionel Messi to continue his international career for as long as he wishes.

With the World Cup hangover still lingering, fans barely have time to catch their breath before Europe's top five leagues return for the 2026-27 season, bringing the world's biggest stars back to their familiar battlegrounds as supporters once again don their club colours.

Germany have appointed Juergen Klopp as head coach on a four-year contract, the country’s football association (DFB) said on Friday, handing the former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager the task of leading the national team into a new era after another disappointing World Cup campaign.

Bangladesh have secured a direct place in the knockout stage of the men's cricket event at the 2026 Asian Games, which will be held in Nagoya, Japan, in September.

Since 1962, Argentina have come closer than any team to breaking that pattern, holding the record as the only nation to reach a World Cup final as holders twice

Former Argentina striker Mario Alberto Kempes has urged fans to reject conspiracy theories that have circulated on social media following Argentina's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has condemned the clashes that erupted after his side's World Cup final victory over Argentina, describing the behaviour of some Argentine players as "intolerable" and "unacceptable."

King Charles III officially opened the 23rd Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on Thursday to launch 10 days in a slimmed down event designed to control costs.

Together they have amassed decades of experience at the highest international level, with World Cup titles, triumphs in continental competitions, and unforgettable moments on the game’s biggest stage.

He represented his country at four World Cups.

With the SAFF Championship scheduled to start five days before the November FIFA window opens on November 9, Bangladesh could begin the tournament without overseas-based players.

After Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón collected the Golden Glove following La Roja's 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in Monday's World Cup final in New York, there was little debate over whether he deserved to be recognised as the tournament's best goalkeeper.

Elliot Anderson declared Manchester City the "kings of Manchester" after completing his reported £116 million ($154 million) move from Nottingham Forest.

India wonderkid Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored a maiden Twenty20 international half-century in a seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in Harare on Thursday.

Motafijur Rahman scored the only goal of the match as Eskayef secured the title in the 12-team corporate futsal tournament organised by Gifty Platform Ltd.

The final will be held at the same venue on Friday.

Having already wrapped up the series 3-1, the final fixture was a dead rubber for Bangladesh.

The collection offers a rich visual commentary on the tournament, from towering goalkeepers trying to intimidate Lionel Messi and magic carpets lifted by soaring ticket prices, to football-mad households divided by loyalty.

The 24-year-old joins the North London side for a reported fee of £34 million ($45.40 million), according to British media reports